Visakhapatnam or Vizag as it is popularly called is a port city located in Andhra Pradesh state. Vizag is the second biggest metropolis of state of Andhra and is located about 625 kilometres away from the capital city Hyderabad.
The city nestled between the Eastern Ghats and Bay of Bengal is named after the Hindu god of valour, Vaishaka. This city is the administrative headquarters of Visakhapatnam District and the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command. It has one of the country's largest ports and biggest ship building yard in India.
Visakhapatnam is beautiful blend of natural beauty and modern infrastructure. The city which is blessed with picturesque beaches along the Bay of Bengal coastline, green hill ranges, caves, valleys and temples offers an enriching and exciting experience to the tourists. There are several places of tourist’s interest in Visakhapatnam.
Kailasagiri
Kailasa Giri located on a hilltop is a popular pilgrim site which offers an enchanting view of the sea. The huge sculpture of Shiva and Parvathi atop the hill is main attraction here. Cable car and Toy train facility available for kids. Shanku Chakra Naama, floral clock, art gallery, children play -park, titanic view point, jungle trails etc. are other attractions of this place. Paragliding facilities are also available here. Ramakrishna and Rushikonda beaches near the hillock add to the beauty of this place.
Rishikonda Beach
Rishikonda Beach is at a distance of 8 km from Visakhapatnam. It is one of the most beautiful virgin beaches with in the state. This beach is an ideal picnic spot and is a popular spot for swimming, water skiing and wind surfing. Another attraction here is the 14th century Sri Sapta Rusheswara Temple surrounded by seven hills which is located here.
Ramakrishna Beach
Ramakrishna Beach or RK Beach as it is commonly called is one of the best tourist spot in the city known for its picturesque beauty. The Matsya Darshini (Aquarium), the Submarine Museum, Visakha Museum, the Kali Temple, war memorial, statues of prominent personalities etc. is some of the attractions near the beach.
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is situated at a distance of 9 kms from the city. Situated in the scenic Eastern Ghats flanked by hills on either sides and Bay of Bengal on the east the zoo attracts many tourists. The zoo which is one of the largest in the state is home to many varieties of animals, birds and reptiles.
Buddhist Excavations
Various places in and around Visakhapatnam have many Buddhists excavations like Bhavi Konda, Thotla Konda, Bojjana Konda and Salihundam. These places were thriving centres of Buddhism during the 2nd century. Bojjannakonda which was excavated in 1906 shows all the three phases of Buddhism. i.e. Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana. Thotla Konda and Bhavi Konda are nearer to Rishikonda beach of Visakhapatnam. The Viharas found at Shankaram near Anakapalli were for about 1000 years old. These excavated Buddhist sites are popular tourist attractions.
Araku Valley
Araku Valley is 112kms from Visakhapatnam. This is a scenic hill station located in hills of Anatagiri at a height of 3100 feet above sea level. It is home to a number of tribal communities. The tribal habitat museum and the tribal village are the major attractions here. Tribal folk dances like Dhimsa and Mayuri add to the attractions. This place attracts many tourists and is known for its scenic landscapes, beautiful streams and waterfalls.
Borra Caves
Borra Caves is situated at around 90 Kms from the City. Located at 1400 meter above sea level in Anantagiri area, Borra Caves is famous for its stalactite and stalagmite formations. These natural caves were discovered in 1807 by William King George of the Geological Survey of India. ‘Shiva lingam’ and an idol of a cow, Kamadhenu inside the cave attract many devotees.
Dolphin’s Nose
This is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city. Dolphin’s Nose is a gigantic rocky promontory that is situated about 358 meters above the sea level. The high rocky structure is about 174 meters high and resembles a dolphin’s nose. One can get a spectacular view of the Bay of Bengal from here.
Bheemunipatnam Beach
Bheemunipatnam which is popular as 'Bheemili' is a beautiful beach located at the mouth of the river Gosthani. Ruins of a 17th century fort and cemetery reveal the history about east coast's oldest Dutch settlement. The beach surrounded by lush greenery of palm grove is an ideal spot for swimming.
Gangavaram Beach
Gangavaram Beach located near the Vishakhapatnam steel plant (VSP) is about 26kms south of Vizag. This enchanting beach line with palm groves attracts many tourists.
Simhachalam
Simhachalam is situated about 16km from Visakhapatnam and is an important pilgrim centre. The 11th century Sri Varaha Narasimha temple is present here on the hill top, at a height of 244 mts. This ancient temple built by King Sri Krishnadevaraya has inscriptions that date back to 1098 AD. 'Chandanotsavam' festival is a major festival here during which thousands of devotees visit this temple.
Yarada Beach
Yarada Beach is around 20 km from the city located at Yarada village. This beautiful beach surrounded by hills is an ideal picnic spot.
Matsyadarshini Aquarium
Matsyadarshini, a beautiful aquarium situated on the left side of Kali temple of R.K. Beach. This aquarium has a great collection of marine as well as freshwater fishes.
Submarine Museum
Submarine Museum is the first one of its kind in Asia and second in the world. INS Kurusura a Russian built submarine of the Indian Navy has been turned into a museum. This is located at the Rama Krishna beach.
How to Reach Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam Airport is located 7 km from the city and is well connected to all the major cities in India like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai. Vizag is a major station which lies on the Kolkata to Chennai main rail line. This station is well connected with all the cities with New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad by rail. Vizag is well connected by the road to all the major cities and towns in the state as well as neighboring states. Regular state transport as well private buses are available to Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Chennai and Tirupati.
Accommodation
Plenty of accommodation options are available in Visakhapatnam ranging from luxurious hotels, mid-range to budget hotels that cater to the different budgets of the tourists.